The Lower Owens River has been fishing very well the last week. With the temperatures in Bishop in the mid 60’s this last week the fish really turned on the heat and the consumption of caddis, Baetis and Midges stepped up once again. Use the same patterns as suggested in my last report and look for the pods of Baetis eating Brown Trout mixed with a few Rainbows mid morning to afternoon. We look for more Dry Fly action as we move into the near year and the days start getting longer.

The Upper Owens has very little snow if  any after these much warmer days since the small storm a week and a half ago. Large fish continue to be caught throughout the system by anglers that can let a trout peel line and understand how to let them run at that crucial point! Fish are still acting like small steelhead and eating accordingly. The darkest areas of the river seem to the areas where these world class fish seem to be hiding. A delicately placed streamer or a strategically placed nymph can make an fly anglers day or entire trip in one amazing fish!

The Lower Owens has completely recovered from the cold weather front that passed through very quickly. Even though the guage is giving us some very strange readings the true flow of the river is right around 85-90 cfs. Fish have moved into the slower moving pools and slow lines. Anglers are having success on the patterns I have suggested in my last report. Once change is that we are using more midge larve and midge emerger patterns in sizes 18-20. Black and grey ribbed patterns seem to do the trick with RS2’s and baetis emergers right in there. Stay tuned for this fishery to turn on more as the Dry Fly hatches commence

The beautiful trout of the Lower Owens ns River have been gorging themselves on mayfly and caddis emergers along with dries as well. The river is almost a sure bet of a double digit day for most half experienced fly fisherman.  🙂 Although they are plentiful and hungry they are a wild population of fish and therefore highly selective. Baetis emergers and Caddis emerger patterns in sizes #16-20 are taking a lot of fish. RS2’s and Cased baetis patterns are a couple of examples of successful patterns to sink down in front of the trout. The rising trout action takes place all throughtout the river system with some sort of repeation pattern each day. It is a late morning to afternoon event that takes place in various parts of the river. All sorts of great dry fly patterns will take the rising trout on the surface. Throax BWO, Cut wing Baetis and Blue Quills are good patterns to start with. Stalcups adult caddis for a dry fly on 6x can be irrestable when you happen upon splasy rising caddis eating trout.

Up towards Mammoth Lakes, CA the fly fishing is heating up as the Upper Owens River is performing up to its reputation.. with a fair number of very large Rainbown and Brown Trout making their way up the river they have basically infiltrated the entire Upper Owens system. More Brown Trout of all sizes are noted in the river this year along with the usual huge Rainbowns that reside in the Upper O this time of year. Undercut banks and large holes and runs are found all up and down the river with most of them holding some unbelievable fish. Attractor patterns sunk down in front of these fish from a distance back is the best way to get a look at them out of the water. SJ worms of various sorts, Hot Head bead Patterns and oversized midge emergers are a few samples of flies to try. Fish these patterns in larger sizes in the Upper Owens this time of year. Streamers casted without spooking fish and pulled up the undercut banks and dark spots with provide some great thrills as the tug is the drug is this case! Stay tuned for a great year here!

The Upper Owens River near Mammoth Lakes California is experiencing some of the big fish from Crowley Lake running up its very clear flowing waters. The population appears to be pretty well spread out throughout the river and preferring the deeper runs and dark undercuts. When fished correctly the fly angler will find a variety of trout types and sizes. Fish flashy nymphs with a Caddis or Midge Emerger off the bottom. Special SJ worms fished with a Bright Green caddis worm has been one of your go to flies recently on the Upper Owens. This fishing is reminiscent of fishing for steelhead in very small clear flowing spring creek.

Photo courtesy of Jim Stimson

Crowley lake has been great and is going to be fishing for another two  weeks or so depending on weather. From the North End Green Banks area to Six Bays and South to Hilton and beyond the fishing has been good some days and great others. Dropping your patterns one foot to six inches off the bottom is putting the flies in the cruising fishes faces. For flies the usual Crowley Buzzers and all sorts of Tiger and Zebra midge colour variations have been taking fish throughout the day. Fish these flies in sizes #12-16. Just because there is not a boat/float tube hatch concentrated in one are is does not mean fish are not there!

The Lower Owens River right here in Bishop, CA is starting to show its wintertime characteristics of low flows, easy wading and Dry Fly action! The river is down to a low winter output of 100cfs at the moment. This does force some fo the fish to the bigger areas of water but some nice wild browns are also up in the runs and riffles that contain some depth as well. Most of the day one can find rising fish in various sections of the river. In the afternoon we are starting to see a caddis hatch come off that is starting to spread throughout all sections of the river. Caddis Emergers, Baetis Emergers and Midge Emergers in sizes #16-20 have been producing lots and lots of action. Green caddis worm patterns of all sorts are also a good pattern to tie to your tippett. For dries one needs Baetis, Caddis and Midge adults on hand in your Lower Owens Box. Stay tuned for the hatch to come!

The Lower Owens is fishing great with perfect flows and cooler water temperatures.  Flowing at a very manageable flow of 230 cfs fish are healthy and happy!  The entire river has began go fish giving the fish less pressure up high.  Go Lower down in the river for some possible larger average sized fish.  Dry fly action is spotty but beginning!  Streamers and nymphs will take most of the fish here at this moment.  We are happy to be back drifting again within the last two weeks with great success as well.  RS’2s,  Baetis emergers, and Midge emergers in #16-20 depending on the patterns.  Fish these patterns below some sort of a green caddis worm or soft hackle pattern.  Stay tuned to this report to see when the dry fly action really comes uncorked!!

The Lower Owens is fishing as well as my last report.  This river continues to keep guides and clients happy alike.  Flows are suspended to drop soon and the water will stay cool and healthy with the cooler nights we are experiencing here in Bishop.  The same nymph patterns hold and plump and healthy Brown Trout and Rainbows are being caught daily.  Late nights are always seeing dry fly action with a Caddis theme.  The entire river is starting to come alive and we will start to drift again this week.  Lots of Caddis,  and Mayfly and Midge emergers patterns are being eaten.  Most in sizes #16-20. With flows dropping and cooler temperatures occurring the Lower Owens should be a destination for any serious are beginner Fly angler alike this season.